Quantum topology change in (2+1)d

The topology of orientable (2 + 1) space-times can be captured by certain l umps of nontrivial topology called topological geons. They are the topologi cal analogs of con; ventional solitons. We give a description of topologica l geons where the degrees of free dom related to topology are separated fro m the complete theory that contain metric (dynamical) degrees of freedom. T he formalism also allows us to investigate processes of quantum topology ch ange. They correspond to creation and annihilation of quantum geons. Select ion rules for such processes are derived.